James Gunn’s ‘The Suicide Squad’ Will No Longer Have Deadshot; Idris Elba Will Play a New, Unknown Character

According to Variety, Warner Bros. sort-of sequel to ‘Suicide Squad’ will no longer include the character Deadshot. Reportedly, all parties agreed to this decision, and Idris Elba will now play a new character. The character is unknown, but it could be Bronze Tiger.

There was also a segment on the future of Deadshot:

“It is unknown what character Elba would now be playing, but after taking the last few weeks to discuss, everyone involved felt this was the right move. The team also did not want to feel as if it was disrespecting Smith, who helped bring this character to life for the first time, by replacing him with Elba. While many believe chances are still slim for a future return, the decision keeps the door open for Smith to possibly come back in future films, since his original reason for leaving had to do with scheduling and not creative differences.”

Viola Davis will return to play Amanda Waller. Meanwhile, there is the expectation that Margot Robbie will reprise the role of Harley Quinn. According to the actor himself, Jai Courtney will be returning to the role of Captain Boomerang. It is unknown whether or not Joel Kinnaman will return as Rick Flagg.

Meanwhile, James Gunn serves as writer and director for ‘The Suicide Squad’ (the current title anyway). The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ director will not make a direct sequel to 2016’s ‘Suicide Squad,’ but rather a “relaunch.” Gunn’s focus is to take the franchise in a new direction with a mostly all-new cast of characters and actors. Further, the project is very much rooted in Gunn’s vibe, as seen in the ‘Guardians’ movies.

Also, according to Collider, several new characters will be in the film:

Ratcatcher, aka Otis Flannegan

Nanaue, aka King Shark

Polka-Dot Man, aka Mister Polka Dot

Peacemaker, aka Christopher Smith

Dave Bautista (‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ ‘Blade Runner 2049’) is the frontrunner for the role.

There will also be a monstrous femme fatale character. The description states she is a surly, creature-like, muscular alien woman. The role will require a heavy use of prosthetics, akin to Killer Croc. Our own KC Walsh speculates the character could be either Rampage, Voodoo, a genderbent Despero, or (my pick) Duchess.

Second unit director and supervising stunt coordinator Guy Norris (‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’) will return as well, as he was part of the first film.

Additionally, filming will begin this September and wrap sometime in February 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.